The Farm to Fork Summit isn’t just serving up knowledge—it’s serving up a farm-fresh meal that celebrates Missouri’s local food system. With ingredients sourced from numerous local farms and food producers, small food businesses, and representing over 9 rural communities, this year’s menu highlights the power of local food in strengthening rural economies while delivering a delicious experience for attendees.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing over half a million visitors to Kansas City, but with hotels expected to reach capacity, travelers will be looking for places to stay and explore up to 2.5 hours away—right in our region. With the Route 66 Centennial Festival and Branson attractions drawing tourists south, now is the time for rural businesses and communities to prepare for this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.

With support from New Growth, Tyler Throckmorton launched We the People Cattle Company in Lincoln, Missouri, and later pivoted to create We the People Pets, a business that supports the community, promotes local partnerships, and addresses challenges in the raw pet food market. His efforts also fund mentorship programs for fatherless boys, highlighting the transformative impact of empowering rural entrepreneurs.

As host of the award-winning podcast Just Grow Something and owner of Wolf Creek Family Farm in Peculiar, Missouri, Karin brings expertise and inspiration to the Farm to Fork Summit to help small farmers succeed. Don’t miss her keynote on income diversification and breakout on making the most at farmers markets!

The free forum, Farm to Fork Heartland Facebook Group, is a growing online community connecting local food producers, buyers, and supporters across Missouri, Kansas, and the Heartland region. It serves as a hub for networking, resource sharing, and promoting local food businesses, fostering collaboration within the regional food system.

Empowering the local farm and food entrepreneurs needed to make local food an easy choice for individuals, schools, grocers, and restaurants is the focus of the 7th annual Farm to Fork Summit taking place on March 7 in Nevada, MO

We're thrilled to announce national egg brand Vital Farms has recently invested $25,000 to support New Growth’s efforts to strengthen local food systems and grow food and farm businesses in rural Missouri. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to sustainable family farming and underscores the importance of initiatives like the upcoming Farm to Fork Summit in March.

With the help of a microloan and personalized support from New Growth, Jennifer and Kurtis Jones transformed their love for trading card games into The Game Box—a thriving community hub in Clinton, Missouri.

From building a high tunnel to touring different structures and learning innovative techniques from experts like Curtis Millsap and Jason Hirtz, the day was packed with practical knowledge, inspiring conversations, and a sense of true community.

After encountering a financial hurdle, a $10,000 microloan from New Growth gave Levi from Amsterdam, Missouri, the boost he needed to purchase the equipment to start his drone business and succeed!

New Growth's connections include partners like Kelly Asbury at the SBDC. By providing resources like microloans and specialized expertise, New Growth assists entrepreneurs like Lindsey Star of Artistic Isle in achieving their business goals.

You ever wondered how to works and what are the benefits to being officially designated a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)? This Business Certification can help you access the Federal Contract program. View a recorded webinar on this opportunity for business growth.